IT is hard to convey to someone who just doesn’t “get it“, just how much an event like Sherlocked can give a girl like me.

“It is just a TV show”, they said. “It’s nothing more than paid-for stalking,” they imply. Do I care what they think? Nope. Because what’s just happened will stay with me for the rest of my life.

I paid out for a gold pass and it was perfect, in my opinion, for a busy and rewarding convention experience. I know people who got a basic weekend pass and loved it equally, so there really was something for everyone.

As a first-time foray into the world of convention, I thought it was bloody brilliant. There were a few things I would probably change for future events, but overall, I came away realizing I didn’t have any time where I did not have something to do or see, in fact I didn’t eat at all while the event was going on.

I really liked the picture experience, and particularly the dance music which played in Photo Booth 1 which really ramped up the atmosphere and excitement. I was worried I would look stupid, but I came away happy with all but one of them! The joy shone through my goofiness I think. I got oodles of cuddles, lots of silliness and even Rupert Graves shouting “NOT REALLY” in my ear.

And then there was Benedict. I had my drawing to give him, but there didn’t appear to be a gift table as I had been told there probably would be. So, I chanced it, and got ready to give it to him at the photo. No one stopped me, and I couldn’t believe it. The conversation between us was a bit of a ramble, but he looked at it for some time, and said he loved it. He asked if I would like to have it in our photo, so we did. He was wonderful, and charming, and I feel so lucky to have had this opportunity.

Minutes later, I saw him very briefly again, as I was lucky enough to have a group photo with my dear friends Linda and Sheridan, which was FANTASTIC! And then it was time for the talk. It was very interesting, Benedict was jovial and happy although I later found out he was really unwell. The fact he didn’t cancel was nothing short of a miracle, let alone fulfill his thousands of obligations.

Anyway, I stuck my hand up for a questions. I still don’t know why. And I got picked. What followed is so embarrassing.

Me: “Hello, I’m Clare and I’m from the Isle of Wight.”

Benedict: “Where are you Clare? Oh, there you are, hello Clare.”

Me: “Hello darling.”

*CRINGE*

He laughed, said he married on the Island. I asked my question and he gave me a long and interesting answer – it felt like we were the only people in the room for a split second 🙂

After that, Saturday was a blur but we ended it with a great group pic in Mycroft’s Office with my girls Bex, Ollie and Claire.

Sunday was more relaxed, and Mark and Andrew’s talk was one of the highlights with so much comedy. Una, Lara and Loo were next up and that was, again, a joy. Sunday was my friend Claire’s day. She got to meet Lara and her reaction was just amazing.

I treated myself to some extra autographs with Andrew, Una and Lars, signing the drawing I had had done. To have Andrew ask if I was a professional, and to have Louis Moffat ask to take a picture of it, was a real honour.

The weekend ended with me getting three hugs, an autograph and a “you tit” from Loo Brealey who I really love so much.

I never wanted it to end. And not because I wanted more of what I’ve just written. I wanted more time with a band of ladies (and one chap…that’s you super Thom) who aren’t just friends, they are kindred spirits, brought together by a show and some actor, who knows not who were are, but who, through his work, has enriched our lives exponentially.

This was my first EVER girlie weekend away with friends. I am almost 34. It’s taken me this long to find out who I really am. And it is thanks, in many ways, to them. To their spirit, their love, their support and their joy. I have a bright corner in my heart for them always. And to be able to have all we did this weekend, together, was hella magic.

As James Kimberly Griffith said: “You know, if this was heaven, I’d be pretty f****** chuffed.”

**Part of the ‘Letters Live’ event at the Hay Festival 2014. Recorded in the Tata Tent on 31st May 2014. Benedict Cumberbatch and Louise Brealey read letters between WWII lovers Chris and Besse. This letter is taken from the book ‘To the Letter’ by Simon Garfield

This was the first of two pairs of letters they read. In these letters Chris and Besse plan to meet up and spend time together for the first time during his planned leave. They are looking forward to being together.